How to Make Camping More Comfortable

 Camping has numerous benefits; it's enjoyable, encourages you to try new things, takes you out of your comfort zone, helps you appreciate nature, and allows you to really get away from it all. However, one of the drawbacks is that it can be rather unpleasant in terms of your personal comfort, which can turn some people off the idea of camping altogether. That would be a shame considering what it can offer you. If you've ever considered going camping but aren't sure you'd be able to handle the more uncomfortable aspects, here are some pointers to help you out.

 

Photo by Uriel Mont from Pexels

 

Food

When you go camping, one of the first challenges you will probably encounter is food. Food is important because you need it to have the energy to explore throughout the day, and if you are full, you are more likely to sleep soundly. If you plan to catch and prepare your own food while camping (maybe by fishing or hunting small species such as rabbits), you risk going hungry if the weather prevents you from getting out and finding food.

 

It's a good idea to have a cooler filled with food that you can quickly cook over a fire or a small camping stove. Make sure they are items of food you would eat at home since camping isn't always the best time to test new foods; if you don't like it, you could be left hungry. Snacks are also essential if the campfire takes a long time to start or the stove runs out of fuel, or if you intend to go hiking – snacks will give you energy on your walk. 

 

Sleep

Another concern that some have is the loss of sleep that they believe would accompany a camping vacation. It's true that sleeping in a sleeping bag on the ground will not be comfortable, but investing in a mattress or a hammock would make sleeping beneath the stars (and in your tent) a much more enjoyable experience.

 

Even better, why not forego the tent altogether and stay in an RV? You can buy one, although that would be expensive, or you could rent one for a much more reasonable price. You might want to bring your own mattress, though, to ensure a good night's sleep; you can find different sizes meant for a camper, so you won't have to compromise on comfort at all. 

 

Relax

Just because you're on a camping vacation away from home doesn't mean you have to be constantly moving and seeking out new experiences; in fact, doing so will become rather stressful, and you won't feel as if you've benefited from a decent break away. This is why some people think camping wouldn't be for them; they just wouldn't be able to relax fully. 

 

Schedule some time for leisure where you can just sit and unwind in peace and quiet. Bring a book or just listen to the sounds of nature. Bring peaceful things for the kids to do if you're with them, such as coloring, a puzzle book, board games (with few pieces, so they don't get lost), or even a treasure hunt. You'll really get the most out of your camping trip if you can relax as much as possible.